$2.5M In Federal Money Going To Police, Other Agencies In Aftermath Of Sandy Hook Shootings

The U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday it will give $2.5 million to the Connecticut State Police, the Newtown police department and other agencies that provided assistance in response to the shootings of students and school personnel last December at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the money is intended to compensate police and other responding agencies for costs due to overtime, forensic investigation, and security after the shooting.

"Providing support to the law enforcement agencies that responded to the horrific scene that awaited them at Sandy Hook Elementary School is one small action we can take to bring healing to a community that's been devastated," Holder said. "Just over eight months after this senseless tragedy, those who lost their lives, and those who continue to grieve, remain in our thoughts and prayers."

Holder said the recipients of the funds, in the following amounts, are:

"This critical funding will compensate the Connecticut State Police and Newtown Police Department for their tireless work investigating this crime, as well as more than two dozen police departments from across the state whose officers responded to Newtown within minutes of this horrific act and, for months, helped to provide security and comfort to a courageous community," said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirdre M. Daly.